What is Walker Kessler’s ceiling?
Walker Kessler is the lynchpin to the Utah Jazz’s success in the 2023-2024 season. He’s already a Top 15 defensive player according to some, and his impact on the Jazz will go a long way. Especially since the Jazz lacked consistent defense last season, an area that Kessler can help with fairly easily.
But that leaves us to the question; what is his ceiling? Can he become a Defensive Player of the Year? Can he develop his game even more beyond that? Kessler’s best scoring season across his time at the University of North Carolina, Auburn, and Auburn has been just 11 points per game. Is Kessler capable of that?
A limited offensive skillset kept Rudy Gobert from developing beyond a put-back or lob-threat, and if Kessler can develop a touch around the rim, or even, dare I say, a three-point shot, then maybe Kessler can be more than just a very good, if not elite defensive player.
Maybe he could be the next great NBA center. But he’s got to put in the time to develop those skills, and the Jazz has to be willing to trust him with the ball more. Hopefully, a strong outing with Team USA in the FIBA World Cup will help make running plays for him an easier decision to make.